Expanding the eco-friendly vehicle battery business to plug-in hybrid vehicles

Press Release

Osaka, Japan - The Panasonic Group today announced that it will supply lithium-ion batteries for Toyota Motor Corporation's
Prius Plug-in Hybrid. This will be the first time for the
Panasonic Group to supply its lithium-ion batteries for a mass production plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Given the growing public concern for conserving the environment and escalating oil prices,
the demand for rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles is expected to grow rapidly.
In response to this, the Panasonic Group is enhancing its development abilities and strengthening
its business for rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles. The Panasonic Group is already
supplying nickel-metal hydride batteries and systems for hybrid vehicles to a number of automobile
makers globally and is also carrying out joint development
of lithium-ion battery systems for hybrid vehicles with other car manufacturers.

The Panasonic Group is aiming to accelerate the development and commercialization of high performance rechargeable batteries
for eco-friendly vehicles and further expand its rechargeable battery business globally.

An announcement has been made by Toyota today about the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle.